Man sentenced for role in Md. police officer’s death

Sherrin Crosdale, mother of officer Adrian Morris, speaks after the sentencing of the man who led her son on the deadly pursuit. "It will not fill the void in my heart," she said. (WTOP/Andrew Mollenbeck)

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Kevon Neal has admitted to his role in a police officer’s death and witness retaliation. A judge on Monday sentenced him to 13 years in prison, minus more than one year already served.

On Aug. 20, 2012, Prince George’s County Police officer Adrian Morris pursued Neal after the suspect attempted to steal a purse at a Shell gas station in Beltsville, Md.

The chase topped speeds of 100 mph on Interstate 95, and Morris ultimately lost control and crashed after swerving to avoid another vehicle.

He later died from the injuries.

“Today, we have finished that pursuit for him,” Angela Alsobrooks, the state’s attorney, said after the sentencing.

Neal apologized to the family in court and insisted he is not a bad person, nor did he want the deadly crash to happen.

“It will not fill the void that’s in my heart,” said Sherrin Crosdale, the officer’s mother. “My son is gone. He’ll never come back.”

In addition to motor vehicle manslaughter, Neal also plead guilty to witness retaliation. A letter he wrote suggested putting a hit out on a witness who knew about his involvement.

“To seek out the harm and death of a witness, I think, said that he was not accountable for his actions,” Alsobrooks said.